"Medusa," a sharp voice rings off the marble walls and the young people turn to see high priestess Agathe at the top of the dais where she is preforming a prayer with three other priestesses all of which are glaring at Medusa for daring be in the presence of the worship hall.
"Yes, High Priestess," Medusa says lowering her eyes and bowing to excuse herself quickly taking the offerings to the blessing chamber and then start back on her chores.
Michalis
Michalis watches as the young beautiful temple maiden disappear into the temple walls.
"We apologize for that child she is terribly strong willed," the priestess called Agatha says to Michalis as she descends the polished marble and gold dais, "we do what we can with what the gods and goddesses see to gift us."
"She is truly devoted, I see that you are lucky for such a source of faith among your numbers," Michalis says not entertaining the priestesses obvious distaste for the innocent girl. The priestess notices his subtle jab at her judgement and lifts her chin in pride.
"What brings you here soldier?"
"I came to pray to Lady Athena for her guidance and wisdom in my coming battles," Michalis says stepping away from the high priestess with a bow of respect before walking to the statue and kneeling at her feet after presenting the skin of high quality oil for the best olives in Athens, before beginning the ritual hymns and preforming prayer.
"Amazing, very well done," Agatha says after the soldier finishes his prayer and puts out thee incense and stands.
"I have been a follower for many years, and Athena has gifted me with many honors and glory through battle."
Agatha smiles sweetly at the handsome soldier, "Well preformed prayers are always answered by the gods for those that are worthy." Agatha steps forward nonchalantly brushing her body against his hard body, "May your battles end in glory and honor." Michalis bows so they lose contact and thanks the priestess as he walks back towards the opening of the temple noticing Medusa walking past with a large empty basket towards an orchard on the cliff. He looks back to see if Agatha is still watching and then ducks to follow the young woman.
"I see you finished your duties," he says catching up with the arresting brunette. she turns quickly surprised at the unexpected company.
"Oh I thought you would be speaking with High Priestess Agathe," Medusa says as she looks up at Michalis' eyes and saw the warmth and welcome that she had never seen in another person's face.
"I finished my prayers and have developed the impression that your high priestess is not the most pious nor virtuous maiden for that job," Michalis says with a bit of bitter humor.
"What do you mean Agathe is the most devoted priestess for our Goddess."
"do not mind me Medusa. Can I help you with that? I still have much time before I must meet with the king and I believe Athena would smile upon my prayers if I were to help one of her Temple Maidens." He says making Medusa blush and attempt to correct him which he ignores and allows her to lead him to the orchards to help harvest the olives.
She is lovely, isn't she? Floats across Michalis' mind as he watches Medusa smiling at his jokes and picking olives with her nimble fingers. He looks up recognizing the voice and frowning at why his patron would suddenly take interest in his love life. Meanwhile Medusa frowns as she looks at Michalis and then the sky where he is staring to see clouds in the far west "Perhaps we should go back rain is coming."
"Yes let's." Michalis says taking the basket from her and her hand feeling a sudden warm in his palm where he touches her soft skin which makes him hold it tighter. They walk back separating when it became too perilous to continue.
Unknown to the two a presence took notice of their interaction and a twisted depraved smile curls lips as a sinister laugh escapes.
"Well what do we have here?"
